11038Hwy 37 • HIBBING,MN 55746

Tel: (218)262-3451 • Fax: (218)262-6245

www.rangeregionalairport.com

CHISHOLM • HIBBING AIRPORT AUTHORITY.."..- ~

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RANGE

REGIONAL

AIRPORT

January 23, 2014

Mr. Michael Martin

Essential Air Service Division

Office of Aviation Analysis

U. S. Department of Transportation

1200 New Jersey Ave., S.E.

Washington, DC 20590

Re: EAS Proposal for Chisholm-Hibbing, MN

Docket OST-2003-15796

Dear Mr. Martin:

The Chisholm-Hibbing Airport Authority (CHAA), the City of Hibbing and the City of

Chisholm have reviewed the proposal presented by SkyWest Airlines (00) to provide

Essential Air Service (EAS) at the Range Regional Airport (HIS) beginning June 1, 2014.

After review of the proposal, the CHAA advocates the approval of SkyWest Airlines 12

weekly round trips to MSP with CRJ-200 aircraft. This decision is based upon the following:

+ 00 is the carrier currently operating at HIS under the incumbent's contract, Della Air

Lines (DL). This will ensure established recognition and continuity.

+ Several JoyalSky Miles Program customers in the Region.

+ Worldwide connections through agreements with DL.

+ CRJ-200 provides modern equipment perception and adequate seats.

+ Adequate number of aircraft, personnel and gates at MSP to provide reliable service.

+ Supports the Delta Reservation Center, Chisholm, MN employing 450+ jobs.

For the past four years, HIS has enjoyed a successful partnership established between the

CHAA, our communities (Iron Range Region) and DL. HIS's enplanements have remained

greater than 10,000 revenue passengers allowing HIS to be designated as an FAA Primary

Airport eligible for federal funding of $1,000,000.00 annually for airport improvements.

Minnesota's Iron Range Region is experiencing an industrial growth period and it is

imperative this partnership continues in order to support this growth with economical and

reliable air transportation. In addition to the Region's industrial growth, the increase in

passenger enplanements is the result of DLIOO working with us to address concerns

identified in our March 2009 survey. Those concerns included high fares, poor schedule,

and infrequent flights. DL responded by ensuring fares are comparable with regional

airports, adjusted flight times to better meet MSP connections, and ensured the on time

arrival rate was high. This has been a recipe for success and demonstrates how the

Essential Air Service (EAS) Program was utilized to grow and support an air service market.

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Michael Martin, USDOT

January 23, 2014

Page 2 of2

The 00 proposal provides 12 weekly round trips from HIB- MSP. The CRJ-200 jet service

provides adequate daily seats and will be easy to market. However, reducing from 14

weekly round trips provided in 2011-2012 has generated concems from travel agents,

businesses and passengers. Higher frequency enhances our schedule and attributes to

growing our market as demonstrated in past years. However, if 12 round trip flights per

week meet MSP connecting banks as discussed in OD's proposal, our market should

remain stable. We look forward to working with SkyWest Airlines in meeting the Iron Range

Region's current and future air service needs.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment.

Sincerely,

Shaun J. Germolus

Executive Director

Cc: SkyWest Airlines

CHAA Board of Directors

Mayor Rick Cannata

City of Hibbing

Mayor Michael Jugovich

City of Chisholm